Rotary &amp; linear driven double-acting cylinder

ABSTRACT

There is disclosed a drill-rig having a barrel member rotatably mounted to a support and having co-axially within it a shaft arrangement comprising a plurality of telescoped shaft members which can be expanded and contracted. Provision is made for preventing relative rotation between the barrel member and the shaft members. The barrel member is driveable in rotation by a power drive so that the shaft is thus rotated, and hydraulic means is provided for expanding and retracting the telescoped shaft arrangement. The support comprises an oil container providing lubrication for drive gears and for the bearings. Entry of the hydraulic fluid into spaces between the barrel and the outer shaft member is provided between parts of seals.

[ 1 Oct. 30, 1973 ROTARY & LINEAR DRIVEN DOUBLE-ACTING CYLINDER {76] Inventor: Wayne B. Russell, Jr., 3895 Lugo Ave., Lynwood, Calif. 90262 221 Filed: Nov. 12,1971

211 Appl.No.: 198,258

[52] US. Cl 173/150, 92/53, 175/321 [51] Int. Cl. E21c 1/10 [58] Field of Search 173/150; 92/53; 175/321 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,741,461 4/1956 Joy, 173/150 X 2,634,950 4/1953 Allen 173/150 3,525,404 8/1970 Newman et al.. 173/150 X 2,066,794 0 H1937 Miller 175/321 2,910,049 10/1959 Calder 92/53 Primary ExaminerErnest R. Purser 'Att0rneyDonald D. Mon

571' ABSTRACT There is disclosed a drill-rig having a barrel member rotatably mounted to a support and having co-axially within it a shaft arrangement comprising a plurality of telescoped shaft members which can be expanded and contracted. Provision is made for preventing relative rotation between the barrel member and the shaft members. The barrel member is driveable in rotation by a power drive so that the shaft is thus rotated, and hydraulic means is provided for expanding and retracting the telescoped shaft arrangement. The support comprises an oil container providing lubrication for drive gears and for the bearings. Entry of the hydraulic fluid into spaces between the barrel and the outer shaft member is provided between parts of seals.

14 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures PAIENIEDucI 30 I975 3. 768,578

SHEET 1 or 2' FIG. 1

ROTARY & LINEAR DRIVEN DOUBLE-ACTING CYLINDER This invention disclosure pertains primarily to heavyduty hydraulic equipment used in the drilling of holes and passages into the earth, and more specifically it involves extensive modification of such drilling apparatus known in the trade as Kelly" masts, shafts and drive systems; and relates to the present inventors patent application Ser. No. 177,592 filed Sept. 3, 1971 entitled Multi-stage Double-acting Fluid Cylinder." The extremely compact configuration herein revealed is a further modification of said prior invention and includes both rotary and linear driving means as an integrated unit. Thus, the prime purpose of this invention is to provide a transportable drilling apparatus more suited to extended-depth drilling requirements, wherein conventional equipment is limited as to drilling depth capability by the bulky length of the extendable Kelly-shaft which slides within the Kelly type mast tube, which in its self can reach cumbersome proportions, especially impractical in portable equipment,-while still falling short of more extensive drilling tasks.

Hence, it is the object of this invention disclosure to demonstrate how compound collapsibility of the cylinder assembly, coupled with a unique integral drive system, creates a synergistic effect of compactness and efficiency far exceeding the degree of added complexity.

It is also an object of the invention to define the unique manner of porting and manifolding of hydraulics from the stationary outer drilling platform to the innermost final rotary drive shaft member.

It is also an object of this invention to disclose the manner in which a double-acting multi-stage cylinder assembly is caused to reciprocate vertically through means of a power shuttle-barrel member, said member being rotatable only relative to the drilling platform.

It is also the object of the invention to designate the preferred manner of sealing the sliding junction surfaces existing between said shuttle-barrel and said multiple-cylinder assemblage.

It is also an object of this invention to reveal the preferred manner of sealing the rotating junction surfaces existing between said rotary shuttle-barrel and fixed drilling platform. I

It is also the object of the invention to establish a basic drive means which consists of a gear radiating outward at substantially a right angle to the outermost surface of the shuttle-barrel so as to be efficiently driven by power transmission means.

It is also an object of the invention to apply power of one or a plurality of rotary driving motors upon the perimeter of the shuttle-barrel drive gear.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a practical means of joining the shuttle-barrel member'to the shuttling cylinders so as to negate any slippage between these said members relative to their action during drilling proceedures.

It is also an object of this invention to reveal the low resistance method of injecting and ejecting oil through seals housed in the stationary drilling platform.

It is also the object of the invention to indicate the positioning of roller bearings disposed between, and serving to securely embrace the rotation of the shuttlebarrel assembly.

The above and other features of this invention reside in its simplicity of construction, efficient and dependable operation, and in its adaptability to convenient and competative manufacture. With the foregoing more prominent objects and features in mind, other points of importance may become apparent as this specification proceeds. The invention will be more fully comprehended from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein, like characters of reference are used to designate like parts, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of the invention, showing its basic external form as an aid to clarifying subsequent views. Also, it is intended to show that normally all surfaces are contiguous and non-fragmented and nonsectioned as might be otherwise confused through reading of subsequent views alone.

FIG. 2 is an octuple enlargement detail of a component shown in the circle labeled 2 in FIG. 3 hereof.

FIG. 3 is a combination cross-section cutaway-view of the complete invention, showing external surfaces on the left which terminate in fragmentary fashion near the central axis of the essentially symmetrical assemblage; installation of the driving motor and hydraulic inlets being the only asymmetrical portions.

Therefore, with reference to the following descriptive enumerations we commence with a more detailed examination of the invention, wherein reference is given to the illustration of FIG. 1 which is an exemplified elementary view of the drilling rig as it might appear in basic operating form; whereas 10 is the main drilling platform structure which is usually stabilized by a mobil chassis comprising wheels 11 and jack-pads 12. Within this named supporting platform are upper and lower support housing trunnions 13a, 13b respectively, within which rotates the hollow shuttle-barrel member 14 about its longitudinal axis, and through which slides a reciprocatable cylinder tube 15, said cylinder thus obviating the conventional fixed Kelly type mast tube. This cylinder 15 will also contain several additional collinear reciprocatable cylinder stages as represented by members 16 and 17 which serve to provide an extraordinary deep-drilling capability, which is added to the stroke of the shuttle-barrel cylinder 15 which stroke is approximately equivalent to the length of cylinder 15 minus the length of the shuttle-barrel 14. The members l5, l6 and 17 are herein referred to as a shaft, co-axial with the barrel 14. The usual means of powering the rotary portion of the mechanism is represented by the motor unit 18. In this view the drill rigis'shown in the usual process of drilling an earth hole 19 through means of an auger tool 20 which may be rotated in one direction for drilling, stopped, and rotated rapidly in the opposite direction for fling-emptyingabove the surface. Note that while provision for an operator is not indicated, the present inventors patent application Ser. No. 175,562 filed Aug. 27, 1971, entitled Operator Safety Oriented Earth Auger" deals extensively with operator provisions which may be applied to this version of the drill rig as well.

Examination of FIG. 2 discloses the typical internal configuration of the upper and lower dual oil seals, or packing glands which are of a semi-resilient nature and are disposed both above 21a and below 21b the radial flow slipper type ring 22, which through virtue of its preferred I-beam cross-section, transmits the force of clamping ring 23, which it tightened toward the internal flange 24 of said trunnions 13 preferably by means of a plurality of bolts 25 which effectively squeeze said seals progressively against surface 26 of rotatable cylinder to create an oil tight seal while communicating a constant flow of high pressure oil from a standard pumping source not shown, through one or more ports 27 passing through web of l-beam; thus, establishing a through-way from passage 28 situated in the trunnion bodies to passage 29 situated in the rotatable shuttle-barrel body.

Study of FIG. 3 reveals the preferred internal disposition of components wherein are included the previously enumerated members and exact location of the detail FIG. 2, wherein it is seen that hydraulic pressure applied at this lower connecting port 30 serves to retract the reciprocatable sections 15, 16, 17 as the direct result of hydraulic force being applied to: seal 31b located in the central region of cylinder 15 (intermediate between the two outer seals), piston seal 32 which is situated at the extreme tip of cylinder 17; and through porting ways or cavities 31a, 15a, 15b, 16a, 16b in respective order. A converse reaction is obtained by applying hydraulic force upon the opposite sides of the seals 31b, 32, 33 which flow path commences at port of entry 34 and is routed through porting-ways 31c, 150 into cavity 15d which in turn empties into cavity 1611 via orifice 16c.

To insure proper alignment and efficient rotation of the rotary shuttle-barrel 14, heavy duty roller bearings are installed as represented at points 35a, 35b and are best lubricated through means of turbulent oil 36 flowingfrom platform casing 10 which houses the coaxially driven gear 37 and driving cog gear 38 empowered by motor 18 which may exist in radial plurality, dependent upon torque requirements. It will be noted that the portion of the platform structure having the upper trunnion-like support collar 13a also includes an integrally formed flange plate 39 which serves as a cover, and facilitates convenient detachment and removal of the entire primary drive assemblage for maintenance accessibility and periodic inspection.

It is preferred that the configuration of cylinders 15, 16, and ram l7 be that of a square in cross-section thereby preventing any tendency toward slipping within one another due to considerable torque loadings imposed through routine operation of drilling proceedure. Naturally, other more elaborate cross-sections may be employed such as hexagonal, splined and the like but the square type is preferred due to its virtue of relative ease of fabrication. However, secondary internal walls of these circumferential cylinders form the integral folded pathways for oil flow, and may be easily formed of round tubular stock and welded into position in a precision manner.

While the foregoing serves to illustrate and describe the preferred embodiments of the invention, various modifications may become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention relates. Accordingly, it is imprudent to limit the invention to the disclosure made herewith; as it is desired that various modifications be resorted to within the spirit and scope of the disclosure and claims as follows.

l claim the following:

1. In combination: a supporting means; a rotatable hollow barrel means supported by said supporting adapted to contain hydraulic fluid between said barrel means and said shaft; means preventing relative rotation between said barrel means and said shaft; and hydraulic fluid means for moving said shaft in each direction of reciprocation relative to said barrel means; whereby said shaft'may be extended and retracted relative to said barrel means and rotated by said power means in various positions of extension and retraction of said shaft.

2. A combination according to claim 1 in which the means for moving the shaft comprises: a first outer seal, a second outer seal and a third intermediate seal located between the first and second seals, said seals being positioned between the shaft and the barrel means and being separated from each other in the longitudinal direction, and providing a first cavity between the first outer seal and the intermediate seal and a second cavity between the second outer seal and the intermediate seal; first port means leading into said first cavity and second port means leading into said second cavity, for introduction or exit of hydraulic fluid to or from said cavities; whereby introduction of pressurized hydraulic fluid into one of the cavities moves the shaft in one direction and introduction of pressurized fluid into means, said barrel means having a longitudinal axis of I the other cavity moves the shaft in the other direction.

3. A combination according to claim 2 in which said seals are of a material having a degree of porosity which permits some restrictive flow of oil within said supporting means to said barrel member.

4. A combination according to claim 2 in which the first outer seal is located at said first port means and is divided into two parts arranged so that the first port means passes between the two parts, and the second outer seal is located at said second port means and is divided into two parts arranged so that the second port means passes between the two parts of said second outer seal.

5. A combination according to claim 4 in which said two parts of each of the first and second outer seals are separated by a slipping ring having an l-Beam crosssection with a central web portion, there being an opening through each web portion comprising part of said first and second port means.

6. A combination according to claim 1 in whichan oil container is supported by said supporting means and bearing means is provided for the relative rotation between the supporting means and the barrel means, there being one of said bearing means on each side of said oil container and in communication with said oil container.

7. A combination according to claim 6 in which seal means between the supporting means andthe barrel means are positioned at opposite sides of the bearing means from the oilcontainer.

8. A combination according to claim 1 in which a gear is attached to the exterior of said barrel means and said power means is connected to said gear for producing the rotation of the barrel means.

9. A combination according to claim 1 in which: said shaft comprises a plurality of shaft members coaxial with said longitudinal axis and each except the outer most shaft member is telescoped within the one next adjacent; and there is included means preventing relative rotation between adjacent shaft members, each telescoped member having a piston seal slidably sealed to the inner wall of the next adjacent outer shaft member to form a series of tandem arranged piston seals;

there being fluid passageways between adjacent shaft members and means providing fluid communication between adjacent fluid passageways.

10. A combination according to claim 9 in which: the means for moving the shaft comprises a first outer seal, a second outer seal and third seal located between the first and second seals, between the shaft and the barrel means, said seals being separated from each other in the longitudinal direction, and providing a first cavity between the first outer seal and the third seal and a second cavity between the second outer seal and the third seal; and there is included first port means leading into said first cavity and second port means leading into said second cavity for introduction or exit of hydraulic fluid to or from the cavities; whereby introduction of pressurized hydraulic fluid into one of the cavities moves the shaft in one direction and introduction of pressurized fluid into the other cavity moves the shaft in the other direction.

11. A combination according to claim 9, in which a seal means is located between each telescoped shaft member and the next adjacent outer shaft member, in addition to the respective piston seal slidably sealed therebetween.

12. A combination according to claim 9 in which each shaft member except the innermost shaft member has double walls providing a channel for fluid flow between the two walls of each double wall.

13. A combination according to claim 9 in which the path of fluid flow through the telescoped shaft members is a folding flow path.

14. A combination according to claim 1 in which an auger is fastened to the lower end of said shaft. 

1. In combination: a supporting means; a rotatable hollow barrel means supported by said supporting means, said barrel means having a longitudinal axis of rotation; power means for rotating said barrel means about said axis; a shaft longer than said barrel means and co-axial with, and reciprocatable in the direction of, said axis, within said barrel means; cavity means adapted to contain hydraulic fluid between said barrel means and said shaft; means preventing relative rotation between said barrel means and said shaft; and hydraulic fLuid means for moving said shaft in each direction of reciprocation relative to said barrel means; whereby said shaft may be extended and retracted relative to said barrel means and rotated by said power means in various positions of extension and retraction of said shaft.
 2. A combination according to claim 1 in which the means for moving the shaft comprises: a first outer seal, a second outer seal and a third intermediate seal located between the first and second seals, said seals being positioned between the shaft and the barrel means and being separated from each other in the longitudinal direction, and providing a first cavity between the first outer seal and the intermediate seal and a second cavity between the second outer seal and the intermediate seal; first port means leading into said first cavity and second port means leading into said second cavity, for introduction or exit of hydraulic fluid to or from said cavities; whereby introduction of pressurized hydraulic fluid into one of the cavities moves the shaft in one direction and introduction of pressurized fluid into the other cavity moves the shaft in the other direction.
 3. A combination according to claim 2 in which said seals are of a material having a degree of porosity which permits some restrictive flow of oil within said supporting means to said barrel member.
 4. A combination according to claim 2 in which the first outer seal is located at said first port means and is divided into two parts arranged so that the first port means passes between the two parts, and the second outer seal is located at said second port means and is divided into two parts arranged so that the second port means passes between the two parts of said second outer seal.
 5. A combination according to claim 4 in which said two parts of each of the first and second outer seals are separated by a slipping ring having an I-Beam cross-section with a central web portion, there being an opening through each web portion comprising part of said first and second port means.
 6. A combination according to claim 1 in which an oil container is supported by said supporting means and bearing means is provided for the relative rotation between the supporting means and the barrel means, there being one of said bearing means on each side of said oil container and in communication with said oil container.
 7. A combination according to claim 6 in which seal means between the supporting means and the barrel means are positioned at opposite sides of the bearing means from the oil container.
 8. A combination according to claim 1 in which a gear is attached to the exterior of said barrel means and said power means is connected to said gear for producing the rotation of the barrel means.
 9. A combination according to claim 1 in which: said shaft comprises a plurality of shaft members co-axial with said longitudinal axis and each except the outermost shaft member is telescoped within the one next adjacent; and there is included means preventing relative rotation between adjacent shaft members, each telescoped member having a piston seal slidably sealed to the inner wall of the next adjacent outer shaft member to form a series of tandem arranged piston seals; there being fluid passageways between adjacent shaft members and means providing fluid communication between adjacent fluid passageways.
 10. A combination according to claim 9 in which: the means for moving the shaft comprises a first outer seal, a second outer seal and third seal located between the first and second seals, between the shaft and the barrel means, said seals being separated from each other in the longitudinal direction, and providing a first cavity between the first outer seal and the third seal and a second cavity between the second outer seal and the third seal; and there is included first port means leading into said first cavity and second port means leading into said second cavity for introduction or exit of hydraulic fluid to or from the cavities; wHereby introduction of pressurized hydraulic fluid into one of the cavities moves the shaft in one direction and introduction of pressurized fluid into the other cavity moves the shaft in the other direction.
 11. A combination according to claim 9, in which a seal means is located between each telescoped shaft member and the next adjacent outer shaft member, in addition to the respective piston seal slidably sealed therebetween.
 12. A combination according to claim 9 in which each shaft member except the innermost shaft member has double walls providing a channel for fluid flow between the two walls of each double wall.
 13. A combination according to claim 9 in which the path of fluid flow through the telescoped shaft members is a folding flow path.
 14. A combination according to claim 1 in which an auger is fastened to the lower end of said shaft. 